The event is being held at ICC Sydney—the International Convention Centre Sydney—in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia.
Photo: ICC Sydney.
Although some side meetings were held yesterday, Seafood Directions 2026 officially kicked off today, July 28, with an event at Sydney Fish Market designed for colleagues from across the Australian seafood industry to enjoy an afternoon of networking, seafood and waterfront views before the main conference starts tomorrow at the Pyrmont Theatre of the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).
From today until Thursday, July 30, delegates will have the opportunity to address the issues shaping the future of the seafood sector in Australia, including trade, geopolitics and market access in an increasingly volatile global environment; labor challenges and practical solutions, from safety to skills and staff retention; adaptation to climate change and managing uncertainty at sea; technology, artificial intelligence, traceability and data-driven fisheries management; and certification, social license and building trust in seafood products.
Starting tomorrow and for two days, the ICC Sydney will be the stage where the conference will explore how the industry can respond to changing consumer expectations, take advantage of emerging technologies, develop a resilient workforce and ensure access to resources in the long term, "from the ocean to the table."
To this end, the Seafood Directions 2026 program has been structured around six key sub-themes: seafood and its consumers; technology and innovation; people and workforce; nature and resilience to climate change; safety, access and food; and market access and trade.
According to the organizers, this year's program "is designed to challenge thinking and spark action." It features a combination of industry leaders, economists, innovators, and global thinkers who will offer attendees everything from in-depth analyses of trade flows and the economic value of seafood products to practical case studies on safety, labor, and fisheries management.
Among the various presentations, Julian Moore's opening keynote address, titled 'Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Seafood', stands out. He will explain how AI is already transforming decision-making in the fishing sector and other areas, alongside industry leaders who will share their direct experience in fishing, aquaculture, and processing.
Later on the first day, the conference will also feature the participation of the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, who will address attendees at the Pyrmont Theatre at ICC Sydney.
While digital transformation expert Julian Moore and Minister Collins will be the key voices on the first day of the conference, on the second day, Thursday the 30th, the organizers highlighted two key moments: the WISA Power Up Breakfast and the FRDC Fish Tank Presentations.
WISA—Women in Seafood Australia—is a nonprofit, independent, productive organization and network that represents, connects and supports women working in the fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing industries in Australia and New Zealand.
At its Power Up Breakfast events, it brings together people from across the Australian seafood industry to celebrate leadership, share stories, and generate ideas that will drive a stronger, more inclusive future. The keynote speaker at Power Up - 2026 Seafood Directions will be Mindy Woods, owner of Karkalla Byron Bay, an Australian culinary project focused on Indigenous cuisine and local native ingredients.
That same day will also feature presentations from the FRDC Fish Tank, transforming the hall into a dynamic, interactive space for marine research presentations. Instead of traditional slides, they will offer live demonstrations, interactive games, and creative props. Researchers Éva Plagányi, Darcy Beveridge, Nora Louw, Francisco Albergoli, and Matt Hammond will participate in the 2026 edition of Seafood Directions.
Moreover, as in every edition, in addition to the welcome events, the two days of talks and conferences and, of course, the exhibition floor where the various brands are going to be presenting their products and new developments, Seafood Directions will also host a new edition of Australia's National Seafood Industry Awards.
Once again, the awards will recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, companies, associations, and organizations. As the organizers explain, these awards highlight "the industry's dedication to sustainability, innovation and best practice, while showcasing its vital role in supporting the national economy and delivering world-class seafood to local and global markets."
Held every two years, like the previous two editions in 2022 and 2024, the 2026 edition of Seafood Directions is organized and managed by Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the leading national body representing the Australian seafood industry as a whole, including members from the wild-caught, aquaculture, and processing sectors.
